Mammootty on Saturday said that no glittering display of development can hold meaning "before a starving stomach", urging that Kerala's growth story should be rooted in compassion and inclusivity. The veteran actor was speaking at the Kerala government's event in Thiruvananthapuram to formally declare Kerala free from extreme poverty, a milestone announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While calling the declaration a "joyous occasion", Mammootty reminded the audience that the fight against poverty was far from over.
"By making this declaration, the Chief Minister has taken on a responsibility even greater than the announcement itself," he said. "We have freed ourselves from extreme poverty, but poverty in all its forms still exists. We must continue the journey until it is completely eradicated." Reflecting on his return to public life after several months, Mammootty noted the remarkable changes he had seen while travelling from Kochi to the capital. "I could see many visible signs of progress, new roads and large buildings. But whose development are we really talking about? True progress lies in improving our social life, not just our infrastructure," the Bramayugam actor said, adding that development must be meaningful to those still struggling to meet their basic needs.
"However dazzling our developments may appear, they lose all value before a hungry stomach," he observed. "We must plan and carry out development, keeping that in mind." The actor, fondly called Mammukka by Malayalees, praised Kerala's record in social welfare, calling it "a model for many others". He said that the state's achievements were the result of a deeply ingrained sense of social and democratic awareness, a strength that has guided Kerala through numerous crises.
"Our true wealth lies in our compassion, mutual trust and sense of brotherhood," he said. "These are what have brought us this far, and they will continue to guide us as we move ahead." Mammootty also expressed confidence that the government would fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to it by the people, but stressed that it was a task that demanded the collective will of society. "Eradicating poverty requires all of us to stand shoulder to shoulder," he said. "It cannot be achieved through policy alone; it must come from the people."
The event, marking Kerala's 70th Formation Day, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and presided over by Minister K Rajan. The ceremony concluded with Mammootty formally receiving the report on the Extreme Poverty-Free Kerala project from the Chief Minister, who also presented him with a memento on behalf of the state government.
Meanwhile, Mammootty will next be seen in Kalamkaval, co-starring Vinayakan in the lead, slated to hit theatres on November 27.
